School Foundation offering grant money for innovative, creative projects

A total of $55,000 in grant funding from The School Foundation is up for grabs for instructional employees of Florence School District 1 seeking funding for innovative and creative projects for students.

Debbie Hyler, executive director of the foundation, said applications for the 2009-10 grant cycle for projects that will promote excellence in academic achievement, build community involvement or encourage innovative leadership are available online.

Applications are available on foundation’s Web site, http://www.theschoolfoundation.org, and on the district’s Web site, http://www.fsd1.org.

Hyler said the foundation partnered with Florence 1 in an effort to determine key drivers for educational success by contracting with the Strom Thurmond Institute of Government and Public Affairs at Clemson University to conduct a needs’ assessment of the district.

The assessment would help the foundation in determining where the funding would have the potential to make the greatest impact on student success.

Applicants can submit a proposal for either the Major or Mini grants categories.

A total of $50,000 has been allocated for the Major grants category, which means the proposal must be for $10,000 or more, and have the potential to impact the entire district and help prepare students for success in a worldwide economy.

Mini grants should seek to bring innovative learning opportunities into individual classrooms.

A total of $5,000 is allocated for the Mini grants category, which means a recipient could receive between $200 to $500.

Applications that clearly and concisely describe the project and anticipate positive benefits for students in the form of achievement, motivation and character development will be favored during the evaluation process, according to a press release issued by The School Foundation.

Each applicant must submit an original grant proposal, plus nine copies.

The School Foundation’s Grants Committee will evaluate the applications and make a recommendation to the foundation’s board of directors. The review process will take about 30 days and grant recipients will be notified by letter.

The committee will look for innovation, creativity, educational value, student involvement and project director commitment.

Completed applications for the Major grants category should be returned to the Office of the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, 319 S. Dargan St., Florence.

Mini grant applications should be returned to The School Foundation, 320 W. Cheves St., Suite 175, Florence. All grants must be received on or before 4 p.m. April 24.

For details, contact Hyler at (843) 662-9996 or by e-mail at .